Some old buildings at Wanganui Collegiate School have been demolished to make way for new ones; while others are being restored to their former glory.

Facilities manager Robin McGhie said an old science building was in the process of being demolished to make way for a new, two-storey administration building.

But it's a different story for the HG Carver Memorial Library. The building, which dates from 1911 and is a category 1 heritage building, is being earthquake strengthened and restored to its former glory.

Project manager Chris Fallows said the building went through alterations in the 1960s, which took away a lot of its original beauty.

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"It has also sunk by about 100mm in one corner, so that has to be fixed. And it will get a new roof."

Mr Fallows said the building had beautiful exposed beams and rimu floors, which would be restored.

The library is expected to be finished by May 2018, and the administration building by July 2018.

Mr Fallows said the library work was being carried out by W & W Construction, and the administration building work by DML.

Mr McGhie said the entire area of the school was fenced off, and the library housed in a temporary home. The work had caused little disruption to school life.

Mr McGhie said in December work would begin on doing up the boys' hostels.

"They will have a total internal refurbishment, and new hot water and heater systems," he said.